Who we are
Meet Our Advisers
Alison James
After completing a Neuroscience degree at the University of Edinburgh, Alison started her career in financial services in 2003, working in the mortgages department at Bank of Scotland. Since then, Alison has worked in technical roles at two Edinburgh financial planning firms before joining Spence and Spence as an Independent Financial Adviser in January 2012....
More >Cairn Smith
Cairn joined Spence and Spence in October 2013 and is a Diploma Qualified Independent Financial Adviser. With over 20 years working in the financial services industry, he has considerable experience in all areas of financial planning. Cairn works with clients to help them to achieve their most meaningful financial plans and objectives, ensuring that they receive a...
More >James Miller
James became an Independent Financial Adviser in 2006 and has worked in financial services since 1983, building up over 35 years’ of financial services experience working in a number of roles for various life offices before becoming an IFA. He is level 4 qualified and provides clients with a full range of holistic financial planning...
More >Jim Stewart
Even at a tender age Jim was asking searching questions – ‘Are you sure that this is the right club?’ for example. Maybe it’s time for you to ask questions of your investments and overall financial position, are my investments matched to my risk profile?, are my investments performing as they should be?, am I receiving value...
More >Judith Cowley
Judith has worked in financial services since 1988 and has built up over 33 years of financial services experience working in a number of different rolls for various life offices before becoming a qualified independent Financial Adviser in 2008. She is a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute and is level 4 qualified, She advises...
More >Paul Mitchell
Paul has worked in financial services for over 30 years, predominately working with law firms in the property sector, both as a Mortgage/ Insurance Consultant and also as a Property Manager/Valuer. He is a member of the Society of Mortgage Professionals, The Chartered Insurance Institute and the Personal Finance Society and he holds the Level...
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Alison James
Position: Chartered Adviser
Email: alison@spenceandspence.com
About me
After completing a Neuroscience degree at the University of Edinburgh, Alison started her career in financial services in 2003, working in the mortgages department at Bank of Scotland. Since then, Alison has worked in technical roles at two Edinburgh financial planning firms before joining Spence and Spence as an Independent Financial Adviser in January 2012. Alison is both a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, which represent some of the highest qualification levels in financial services. Alison also holds specialist qualifications for occupational pension transfers, equity release and long term care.
Cairn Smith
Position: Adviser
Email: cairn@spenceandspence.com
About me
Cairn joined Spence and Spence in October 2013 and is a Diploma Qualified Independent Financial Adviser. With over 20 years working in the financial services industry, he has considerable experience in all areas of financial planning. Cairn works with clients to help them to achieve their most meaningful financial plans and objectives, ensuring that they receive a personal and professional service that is tailored to their needs. Cairn strongly believes that in order to ensure that his clients reach their agreed goals, financial advice requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. In his spare time Cairn is a keen golfer.
James Miller
Position: Independent Financial Adviser
Email: jamesmiller@spenceandspence.com
About me
James became an Independent Financial Adviser in 2006 and has worked in financial services since 1983, building up over 35 years' of financial services experience working in a number of roles for various life offices before becoming an IFA. He is level 4 qualified and provides clients with a full range of holistic financial planning services. Clients range from private individuals and families to small to medium size businesses. In his spare time, James is an avid football and rugby supporter.
Jim Stewart
Position: Adviser
Email: jim@spenceandspence.com
About me
Even at a tender age Jim was asking searching questions - 'Are you sure that this is the right club?' for example.
Maybe it's time for you to ask questions of your investments and overall financial position, are my investments matched to my risk profile?, are my investments performing as they should be?, am I receiving value for money on my investments, will my family be sufficiently provided for should something happen to me?
These are just some questions that you may wish to consider, and ones that Jim would be more than happy to speak to you about. With forty years' experience in the Financial Services industry, advising and working in both Group Pensions and individual wealth management, he is sure he can come up with a solution that will help you to achieve your financial plans and goals.
Judith Cowley
Position: Independent Financial Adviser
Email: judithcowley@spenceandspence.com
About me
Judith has worked in financial services since 1988 and has built up over 33 years of financial services experience working in a number of different rolls for various life offices before becoming a qualified independent Financial Adviser in 2008. She is a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute and is level 4 qualified, She advises on Pensions, Investments and Protection providing clients with a full range of holistic financial planning services. Existing clients are mainly private individuals and families where she focuses on relationship management and advising clients on their financial needs. In her spare time, Judith loves to walk in her local area.
Paul Mitchell
Position: Independent Mortgage & Insurance Adviser
Email: paulmitchell@spenceandspence.com
About me
Paul has worked in financial services for over 30 years, predominately working with law firms in the property sector, both as a Mortgage/ Insurance Consultant and also as a Property Manager/Valuer. He is a member of the Society of Mortgage Professionals, The Chartered Insurance Institute and the Personal Finance Society and he holds the Level 4 Advanced Mortgage Advice qualification as well as qualifications in the areas of Equity Release, Insurance and general financial services. Paul has built up his knowledge of property and associated financial services over the years by working in both advisory and management roles and specialises in mortgage and insurance advice. Outside of work, Paul is a keen cyclist and amateur musician.